Brevard school district begins search for next superintendent

Brevard Superintendent Desmond Blackburn is resigning after three years on the job. His last day will be no later than Aug. 10.
Caroline Glenn, FLORIDA TODAY

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Outgoing Superintendent Desmond Blackburn at a meeting with Brevard's legislative delegates. Blackburn announced his will be resigning to become CEO of the national nonprofit New Teacher Center.(Photo: Caroline Glenn/FLORIDA TODAY)Buy Photo

The Brevard County School Board is moving quickly to replace outgoing Superintendent Desmond Blackburn in time for the upcoming school year.

Applications for superintendent hopefuls opened Thursday, just a few weeks after Blackburn announced he would be resigning to become chief executive officer of the national nonprofit New Teacher Center. The school board will accept applications through June 8 and hopes to have a new superintendent in place by early July.

School Board members have already agreed to forgo a national search out of concern that it will take too long and cost too much money, and instead hope to hire from within, but said they are not opposed to hiring someone from the local community or a sitting superintendent from one of Florida's smaller school districts.

The board on Thursday released the official job description it will use to find Blackburn's replacement. It specifies that candidates must have either a Ph.D., an MBA or equivalent degree and a minimum 10 years management experience.

The board said it is prepared to offer a three-year contract, a salary between $175,000 and $225,000 and "competitive benefits." One of the top 10 highest-paid superintendents in the state, Blackburn currently makes $220,500.

The school board said it is looking for someone who is "eager to lead a consistently high-achieving school district ... familiar with the latest research on educational leadership, student achievement and school effectiveness, and (has) the vision, energy, and financial background to manage a complex and growing organization." The board has also emphasized they want someone who will continue Blackburn's strategic plan.

Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume, three letters of references, college transcripts and documents verifying any certifications. Those interested can apply here.

By June 12, the board plans to narrow a list of finalists and conduct interviews June 21 and June 22. On June 28, the board will select the new superintendent and begin contract negotiations and approve the new contract at the July 10 school board meeting.

Blackburn has said the latest his last day can be is Aug. 10, the first day of school, and recommended the board have a new superintendent in place by July 10 so he or she can attend leadership summit events over the summer. Blackburn has said he's willing to help with the transition in any way he can and even suggested there be some overlap between him and his successor.

Because of the board's insistence that the next superintendent continue Blackburn's vision and their interest in hiring an internal candidate, there has been much speculation that the board will hire from Blackburn's cabinet. The cabinet consists of the school district's most senior staff, including its chief financial officer, chief operating officer, human resources director, chief information officer and assistant superintendents who oversee elementary schools, secondary schools, choice and charter schools, government and community relations, and facilities.

Chief operating officer Mark Mullins told FLORIDA TODAY earlier this month he plans to apply for the job. Mullins applied for the superintendent job in 2015, but Blackburn was ultimately chosen.

The search for Blackburn's replacement is unlike previous superintendent searches in Brevard. The school board has usually chosen to use search firms to conduct national searches.

School Board Chairman John Craig said the search to hire Blackburn cost $40,925, including costs to pay Iowa-based Ray and Associates consulting firm and provide transportation and lodging for candidates. Craig said it took about two months to find a replacement superintendent.